Shunt truck positioned trailer stand

ABSTRACT

A trailer stand positionable by a shunt truck is disclosed. The trailer stand includes a leg assembly having a front pair of legs and a back pair of legs, the front pair of legs connected by a front cross support and the back pair of legs connected by a back cross support, a wheel assembly having a wheel assembly frame that has a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the back pair of legs, the second end retaining an axle, the axle rotatably retaining at least two wheels, a stepped assembly having a front end, a back end, a top, and a bottom, the front end connected to the front cross support, the back end connected to the back cross support, the top of the stepped assembly providing a plurality of landing areas for an end of the semi-trailer, and a lifting frame.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/910,455 filed Jun. 24, 2020, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/965,461 filed on Jan. 24, 2020,and from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/865,727 filed onJun. 24, 2019, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to trailer stands for semi-trailers. Inparticular this invention relates to trailer stands that are used inconjunction with shunt trucks.

BACKGROUND

When a freight semi-trailer is set down on its landing gear, thesemi-trailer is freestanding, i.e., without a mechanical connectionbetween the kingpin of the trailer and the shunt truck. Associatedpneumatic and electrical connections between the truck and trailer aredisconnected so that the brakes of the freight trailer are locked. Thetrailer is left adjacent to the dock opening, supported at the front endusing only the trailer's landing gear.

When docked, semi-trailers require stabilization especially as they arebeing loaded and unloaded. For semi-trailers that will be loaded orunloaded with a very heavy load or using a forklift, a trailer stand isrequired to distribute load in case of collapse of the trailer's landinggear. When loading and unloading cargo from a freestanding freighttrailer, the movement of the forklifts and loads along the floor of thesemi-trailer causes the semi-trailer to move as well. Significantmovement can result in the trailer separating from the dock or possiblytipping over. The landing gear of the freight trailer is not designed toaccommodate the weight of a fully loaded trailer, let alone the dynamicforces generated by a forklift moving through a partially loadedtrailer. The high center of gravity associated with most trailers makesthe likelihood of tipping over a real possibility. Tipping of thetrailer can result in damage to any goods within the trailer, thetrailer itself, and the forklift, as well as injury to, or death of, theoperator.

Some current trailer stands provide a stabilizing device having apneumatic jack that is operable and positionable through the hydraulicsystem of the shunt truck. This type of device requires the operator tohook up, make positioning adjustments, and disconnect the device, whileon the bed of the shunt truck. This leaves the operator in a vulnerableposition between the cab of the shunt truck and the semi-trailer.

There is a need for an easy-to-use, reliable trailer stand support thatinhibits a trailer from tipping over which does not require directoperator interaction to engage the stand with, or disengage the standfrom, the trailer.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer stand for asemi-trailer comprising:

at least two vertical legs each having a top and a bottom and connectedby a cross support at each of the tops;

a wheel assembly having a wheel assembly frame, the wheel assembly framehaving a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the atleast two legs, the second end retaining an axle, the axle rotatablyretaining at least two wheels;

a lifting frame the lifting frame having a first end, a second end, anda stop, the first end having a kingpin receivable by a shunt truck, thesecond end pivotably connected to the wheel assembly frame; and astabilizing assembly having a plurality of brackets connected to thecross support, the plurality of brackets retaining a support beam,wherein, when the kingpin is received by the shunt truck, the liftingframe pivots upwards until the stop encounters the cross support, andwherein further pivoting the lifting frame upwards pivots the wheelassembly frame around the axle, thereby lifting the bottoms of each ofthe at least two vertical legs, allowing the trailer stand to bepositioned under the semi-trailer.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer standcomprising:

a frame;

a hitch mounted to the frame;

a wheel assembly mounted to the frame; and

a repositionable stabilizing assembly coupled to the frame.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer stand andsignaling system comprising:

a repositionable trailer stand comprising a frame having mounted theretoa wheel, the repositionable trailer stand comprising a repositionablestabilizing assembly; and,

a stand communicator operatively coupled to the trailer stand, the standcommunicator including a deployable signaler configured to confirm thetrailer stand is secured under a parked freight trailer; and,

a dock communicator adapted to be remote from the stand communicator,the dock communicator configured to at least one of receive a signalfrom the stand communicator and send a signal to the stand communicator;

wherein the dock communicator includes a first visual display configuredto display a message indicative of the trailer stand being secured tothe parked freight trailer.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer stabilizer andsignaling system comprising:

a repositionable freight trailer stand comprising a frame having mountedthereto a wheel, the repositionable freight trailer stand comprising arepositionable stabilizing assembly;

a stabilizer communicator operatively coupled to the repositionabletrailer stand, the stabilizer communicator including a deployablesignaler configured to confirm the repositionable trailer stand isproperly aligned under parked freight trailer; and,

a dock communicator adapted to be remote from the stabilizercommunicator, the dock communicator configured to at least one ofreceive a signal from the stabilizer communicator and send a signal tothe stabilizer communicator;

wherein the dock communicator includes at least one of a wiredtransmitter, a wireless transmitter, a wired receiver, and a wirelessreceiver.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer stand andsignaling system comprising:

a repositionable freight trailer stand comprising a frame having mountedthereto a wheel, the repositionable freight trailer stand comprising arepositionable stabilizing assembly; and,

a stabilizer communicator operatively coupled to the repositionablestabilizing assembly, the stabilizer communicator including a deployablesignaler configured to confirm the repositionable stabilizing assemblyis properly aligned under the parked freight trailer; and,

a dock communicator adapted to be remote from the stabilizercommunicator, the dock communicator configured to at least one ofreceive a signal from the stabilizer communicator and send a signal tothe stabilizer communicator;

wherein the dock communicator includes a first visual display configuredto display a message indicative of the repositionable trailer standbeing properly aligned with respect to the parked freight trailer.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer stabilizer andsignaling system comprising:

a repositionable freight trailer stand comprising a frame having mountedthereto a wheel, the repositionable freight trailer stand comprising arepositionable stabilizing assembly; and,

a stabilizer communicator operatively coupled to the trailer stand, thestabilizer communicator including a deployable signaler configured toconfirm the trailer stand is secured under a parked freight trailer;and,

a dock communicator adapted to be remote from the stabilizercommunicator, the dock communicator configured to at least one ofreceive a signal from the stabilizer communicator and send a signal tothe stabilizer communicator;

wherein the dock communicator includes a first visual display configuredto display a message indicative of the trailer stand being properlyaligned under the parked freight trailer.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer stand andsignaling system comprising:

a repositionable freight trailer stand comprising a frame having mountedthereto a wheel, the repositionable freight trailer stand comprising arepositionable stabilizing assembly;

a stabilizer communicator operatively coupled to the repositionablefreight trailer stand, the stabilizer communicator including adeployable signaler configured to confirm the repositionable freighttrailer stand is properly aligned under a parked freight trailer; and,

a dock communicator adapted to be remote from the stabilizercommunicator, the dock communicator configured to at least one ofreceive a signal from the stabilizer communicator and send a signal tothe stabilizer communicator;

wherein the dock communicator includes at least one of a wiredtransmitter, a wireless transmitter, a wired receiver, and a wirelessreceiver.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer stand andsignaling system comprising:

a repositionable freight trailer stand comprising a frame having mountedthereto a wheel, the repositionable freight trailer stand comprising arepositionable stabilizing assembly; and,

a stabilizer communicator operatively coupled to the repositionablefreight trailer stand, the stabilizer communicator including adeployable signaler configured to confirm the repositionable freighttrailer stand is secured under a parked freight trailer; and,

a dock communicator adapted to be remote from the stabilizercommunicator, the dock communicator configured to at least one ofreceive a signal from the stabilizer communicator and send a signal tothe stabilizer communicator;

wherein the dock communicator includes a first visual display configuredto display a message indicative of the repositionable freight trailerstand being properly aligned with respect to the parked freight trailer.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer stand forstabilizing a parked freight trailer, the trailer stand comprising aframe separate from the support frame of the parked freight trailer, theframe having mounted thereto wheels, the trailer stand comprising afreight trailer load bearing repositionable stabilizing assemblyoperatively coupled to a trailer plate configured to engage the parkedfreight trailer, the freight trailer load bearing repositionablestabilizing assembly is configured to deploy between a first positionwherein the repositionable stabilizing assembly is not in contact withthe underside of the parked freight trailer and a second positionwherein the repositionable stabilizing assembly is in contact with theunderside of the parked freight trailer.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer stand forstabilizing a parked freight trailer, the trailer stand comprising aframe separate from the support frame of the parked freight trailer, theframe having mounted thereto wheels, the trailer stand comprising afreight trailer load bearing repositionable stabilizing assemblyoperatively coupled to the frame and configured to engage the parkedfreight trailer, the freight trailer load bearing repositionablestabilizing assembly configured to deploy in a first direction whereinthe repositionable stabilizing assembly is in contact with the undersideof the trailer and in a second direction opposite the first directionwherein the repositionable stabilizing assembly is not in contact withthe underside of the trailer wherein the freight trailer load bearingrepositionable stabilizing assembly is operatively coupled to a linkagethat is operatively coupled to the frame.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method of stabilizinga parked trailer at a loading dock, the method comprising:

positioning a wheeled trailer stand underneath a parked freight trailerat a loading dock while landing gear of the parked freight trailer aredeployed; and

deploying a repositionable stabilizing assembly operatively coupled to aframe of the wheeled trailer stand;

wherein deploying the repositionable stabilizing assembly includesrepositioning the repositionable stabilizing assembly from a storageposition to a supporting position supporting the underside of thetrailer.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method of supporting aparked freight trailer at a loading dock, the method comprising:

positioning a portable trailer stand underneath a parked freight trailerat a loading dock so the portable trailer stand is between the parkedtrailer and the ground, the portable trailer stand comprising arepositionable stabilizing assembly;

utilizing a portable vehicle to reposition the repositionablestabilizing assembly from an unengaged position to an engaged position,where the unengaged position does not have the repositionablestabilizing assembly engaged with the underside of the trailer, andwhere the engaged position has the repositionable stabilizing assemblyengaged with the underside of the trailer; and,

retaining the portable trailer stand between the parked freight trailerand the ground while contents are at least one of loaded onto andunloaded from the parked freight trailer.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method of operating atrailer stand, the method comprising:

positioning a trailer stand underneath a parked freight trailer at aloading dock so the trailer stand is between the parked freight trailerand the ground, the trailer stand comprising a repositionablestabilizing assembly; and

utilizing a portable vehicle to reposition the repositionablestabilizing assembly between a lowered position and a raised positionwhile the trailer stand is positioned underneath the parked freighttrailer, wherein the lowered position does not have the repositionablestabilizing assembly in direct contact with the underside of the trailerand the raised position has the repositionable stabilizing assembly indirect contact with the underside of the trailer.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method of operating atrailer stand comprising;

positioning a trailer stand underneath a parked freight trailer at aloading dock so the trailer stand is between the parked freight trailerand the ground, the trailer stand comprising a repositionablestabilizing assembly;

utilizing a portable vehicle to reposition the repositionablestabilizing assembly between a lowered position and a raised positionwhile the trailer stand is positioned underneath the parked freighttrailer, wherein the lowered position does not have the repositionablestabilizing assembly in direct contact with the underside of the trailerand wherein the raised position does have the repositionable stabilizingassembly in direct contact with the underside; and

utilizing a visual display after the trailer stand is between the parkedfreight trailer and the ground.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method of operating atrailer stand, the method comprising:

positioning a trailer stand underneath a parked freight trailer at aloading dock so the trailer stand is between the parked freight trailerand the ground, the trailer stand comprising a repositionablestabilizing assembly;

utilizing a portable vehicle to reposition the repositionablestabilizing assembly between a lowered position and a raised positionwhile the trailer stand is positioned underneath the parked freighttrailer, wherein the lowered position does not have the repositionablestabilizing assembly in direct contact with the underside of the trailerand the raised position does have the stabilizing in direct contact withthe underside of the trailer; and

visually signaling to a dock worker inside the loading dock thatcontents are ready to be loaded onto or unloaded from the parked freighttrailer while the portable trailer stand is positioned underneath theparked freight trailer at the loading dock.

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a trailer stand for asemi-trailer comprising:

a leg assembly having a front pair of legs and a back pair of legs, thefront pair of legs connected by a front cross support and the back pairof legs connected by a back cross support;

a wheel assembly having a wheel assembly frame, the wheel assembly framehaving a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the backpair of legs, the second end retaining an axle, the axle rotatablyretaining at least two wheels;

a stepped assembly having a front end, a back end, a top, and a bottom,the front end connected to the front cross support, the back endconnected to the back cross support, the top of the stepped assemblyproviding a plurality of landing areas for an end of the semi-trailer;and

a lifting frame having a first end, a second end, and a stop, the firstend having a kingpin receivable by a shunt truck, the second endconnected to the stepped assembly.

In an embodiment, each landing area has a riser to abut a vertical wallof the trailer.

In an embodiment, each riser has a bumper to contact the vertical wallof the trailer.

In an embodiment, the lifting frame is pivotable about an axis ofrotation on the front end of the stepped assembly.

In an embodiment, the lifting frame is secured to the stepped assemblyat a desired angle to the stepped assembly about the axis of rotation.

In an embodiment, the front pair of legs and back pair of legs arefurther connected by a bottom plate.

In an embodiment, the bottom plate is in contact with a ground surface.

In an embodiment, the bottom plate is connected to bumpers that are incontact with a ground surface.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provideda trailer stand comprising:

a leg assembly comprising a pair of substantially vertical front legs, apair of substantially vertical back legs, a front cross supportconnected to the top of each front leg and a back cross supportconnected to the top of each back leg;

a pair of stepped landing assemblies, each stepped landing assemblycomprising a base, an inside stepped side wall having a front end, aback end, a bottom and a top shaped to have a plurality of treads andrisers, an outside stepped side wall having a front end, a back end, abottom and a top shaped to have a plurality of treads substantiallycorresponding in length to the plurality of treads of the inside steppedside wall and a plurality of risers substantially corresponding inheight to the plurality of risers of the inside stepped side wall,wherein the inside stepped side wall and the outside stepped side wallare connected to the sides of the base the treads and risers of theinside stepped side wall and the treads and risers of the outside stepside wall substantially align on each side of the base forming steps,and wherein one end of the base sits atop, and is connected to, thefront cross support and the other end of the base sits atop, and isconnected to, the back cross support, such that the base traverses thegap between the front pair of legs and the back pair of legs;

a lifting frame comprising at least two arms connected by a top crosssupport, each arm of the lifting frame connected to one stepped landingassembly of the pair of stepped landing assemblies; and a wheel assemblycomprising a frame comprising at least two arms connected at one end tothe back pair of legs of the leg assembly and connected at the other endto a cross wheel brace, and an axel supported by the cross wheel brace,each end of the axel having a wheel.

In an embodiment, the lifting frame is U-shaped.

In an embodiment, the lifting frame comprises a rail connected to thetop of each arm of the lifting frame.

In an embodiment, the rail is a guide rail.

In an embodiment, the lifting frame comprises a kingpin.

In an embodiment, the kingpin is for engaging a shunt truck.

In an embodiment, the kingpin is held by a kingpin plate connected atone end to the top cross support of the lifting frame.

In an embodiment, the lifting frame comprises a kingpin plate supportand the kingpin plate is connected at the other end to the kingpin platesupport of the lifting frame.

In an embodiment, the kingpin plate support further comprises a plate.

In an embodiment, the plate of the kingpin plate support is a guideplate.

In an embodiment, the kingpin plate is further supported by a pluralityof cross-braces.

In an embodiment, one of the cross-braces has a higher profile than theother cross-braces.

In an embodiment, the higher profile cross-brace has a notch into whichthe top cross support of the lifting frame fits, such that higherprofile cross-brace connects over the top cross support.

In an embodiment, the higher profile cross-brace is visible over the topcross support of the lifting frame.

In an embodiment, the higher profile cross-brace is locatedsubstantially at the center of the top cross support of the liftingframe.

In an embodiment, the kingpin plate is attached to the lifting framesuch that one end of the kingpin plate protrudes from the top crosssupport of the lifting frame.

In an embodiment, the one end of the kingpin plate that protrudes fromthe top cross support of the lifting frame is angled upward to aid inengaging the kingpin with a shunt truck.

In an embodiment, the kingpin plate has a plurality of aperturestherethrough.

In an embodiment, each arm of the lifting frame comprises an apertureand a plurality of slots at the end opposite to that which connects tothe top cross support of the lifting frame.

In an embodiment, the aperture and the plurality of slots of each arm ofthe lifting frame traverse the width of each arm of the lifting frame toaccommodate therethrough fasteners for connecting each arm of thelifting frame to the stepped assembly.

In an embodiment, the fasteners for connecting each arm of the liftingframe to the stepped assembly are bolts.

In an embodiment, a first fastener through a first aperture acts as anaxis for pivoting the lifting frame when initially assembling thetrailer stand.

In an embodiment, the arms of the lifting frame are attached to thestepped assembly at an upwards or downwards angle.

In an embodiment, the plurality of slots of each arm of the liftingframe are progressively longer towards the end of the arm, allowing thearm to be fastened to the stepped assembly at a desired angle.

In an embodiment, the plurality of slots of each arm of the liftingframe are two slots.

In an embodiment, the inside of each arm of the lifting frame isconnected to the inner face of the inside stepped side wall.

In an embodiment, the outside of each arm of the lifting frame isconnected to an additional arm support.

In an embodiment, the additional arm support is a substantiallytriangular plate, having an inner and outer face, a top side, a slopedside, and a vertical side.

In an embodiment, the vertical side of the additional arm support has aprotrusion, forming a lower notch.

In an embodiment, the base of the stepped wall assembly fits within thenotch, so that the arm support sits on the base.

In an embodiment, the top side of the arm support has a plurality ofapertures which substantially align with apertures in the inside steppedside wall.

In an embodiment, apertures of the top side of the arm support and theapertures in the inside stepped side wall accommodate fasteners tosecure each arm of the lifting frame to the arm support with nuts.

In an embodiment, first fastener is accommodated by first aperture inthe arm support therethrough to first aperture in the inside steppedside wall and acts as the axis for pivoting the lifting frame.

In an embodiment, the remaining apertures in the arm support accommodatefasteners therethrough to the remaining apertures in the inside steppedside wall, for securing the arm of the lifting frame when the arm hasbeen positioned at a desired angle around the axis.

In an embodiment, the apertures in the arm support and apertures in theinside stepped side wall are substantially the same size to ensure thatthe fasteners do not slide in the slots in the arm.

In an embodiment, one leg of the pair of substantially vertical frontlegs and one leg of the pair of substantially vertical back legs issupported on a bottom plate, such that each leg is normal to the bottomplate.

In an embodiment, the bottom plate is shaped to lie substantially flaton a horizontal surface.

In an embodiment, the bottom plate has angled ends.

In an embodiment, the bottom plate is connected to a plurality ofbumpers for coming into contact with a ground surface.

In an embodiment, the bottom plate has a plurality of aperturestherethrough for connecting to the plurality of bumpers by bracketsusing fasteners, in an embodiment, nuts and bolts.

In an embodiment, the brackets for connecting the plurality of bumpersto the bottom plate are angle brackets.

In an embodiment, the plurality of bumpers are rubber bumpers.

In an embodiment, the plurality of bumpers are laminated rubber bumpers.

In an embodiment, the plurality of bumpers are molded rubber bumpers.

In an embodiment, between each of the front legs and each of the backlegs is a leg brace.

In an embodiment, the leg brace is a metal plate.

In an embodiment, the front cross support is reinforced underneath by agusset connected to each front leg.

In an embodiment, the back cross support is reinforced underneath by agusset connected to each back leg.

In an embodiment, the frame of the wheel assembly is U-shaped.

In an embodiment, the wheel assembly has a wheel assembly gusset tosupport the frame.

In an embodiment, the wheel assembly gusset is connected under each armof the wheel assembly and connected to each back leg.

In an embodiment, the wheel assembly gusset is a substantiallytriangular shaped plate.

In an embodiment, the cross wheel brace comprises at least two bracketsfor supporting the axel.

In an embodiment, the brackets of the cross wheel brace are U-shaped.

In an embodiment, the brackets of the cross wheel brace are held to theunderside of the cross wheel brace by axel bracket connectors sitting onthe top of cross wheel brace via long bolts traversing the width ofcross brace.

In an embodiment, the brackets of the cross wheel brace are bolted tothe underside of the cross wheel brace.

In an embodiment, each wheel is rotationally connected at the end of theaxel by wheel bearings.

In an embodiment, the base of each stepped landing assembly extends pastthe back pair of legs at the other end of the base.

In an embodiment, at the front end of the inside stepped side wall, atop arm connection is connected to the arm of the lifting frame, suchthat the entire top arm connection is substantially flush with the topof the arm of the lifting frame.

In an embodiment, the top arm connection is connected to the arm of thelifting frame by welding.

In an embodiment, at the front end of the inside stepped side wall, atop arm connection has apertures and for connecting to the arm of thelifting frame such that the top arm connection is substantially flushwith the top of the arm of the lifting frame.

In an embodiment, under the top arm connection, the front end is angledforming a gusset under the arm of the lifting frame.

In an embodiment, the base is connected to the inside stepped side wallsuch that the bottom of the inside stepped side wall is substantiallyflush with the bottom of the base.

In an embodiment, the inside stepped side wall has a plurality ofapertures.

In an embodiment, the plurality of apertures are a plurality of circularholes.

In an embodiment, the inside stepped side wall extends beyond the lengthof the base at each end.

In an embodiment, the top arm connection has a protrusion.

In an embodiment, the protrusion forms the top riser, which is higherthan the other risers.

In an embodiment, at the back end of the inside stepped side wall, thebase comprises a bottom tread that is longer in length than the othertreads of the inside stepped side wall.

In an embodiment, under the bottom tread, the inside stepped side wallis angled and extends lower than the bottom to form a hook or lip whichextends downwards to connect to the back cross support forming a rightangle around two sides of the back cross support.

In an embodiment, the base is connected to the outside stepped side wallsuch that the bottom of the outside stepped side wall is substantiallyflush with the bottom of the base.

In an embodiment, the outside stepped side wall has a plurality ofapertures.

In an embodiment, the plurality of apertures of the outside stepped sidewall are a plurality of circular holes.

In an embodiment, the outside stepped side wall extends beyond thelength of the base at each end.

In an embodiment, the top of the outside stepped side wall is shorter inlength than the top arm connection of inside stepped side wall and thefront end is substantially perpendicular to the bottom.

In an embodiment, the top of the outside wall has an upper protrusion atthe front end, wherein the upper protrusion forms the top riser, whichis higher than the other risers.

In an embodiment, the higher top riser substantially aligns with thehigher top riser of the inside stepped side wall.

In an embodiment, at the back end of the outside stepped side wall, theoutside stepped side wall comprises a bottom tread that is longer inlength than the other treads of the outside stepped side wall.

In an embodiment, the bottom tread of the outside stepped side wall isangled and extends lower than the bottom to form a hook or lip whichextends downwards to connect to the back cross support forming a rightangle around two sides of the back cross support.

In an embodiment, the top arm connection of the outside wall is shorterthan the top arm connection of the inside wall.

In an embodiment, the front end is substantially perpendicular to thebottom.

In an embodiment, the outside stepped side wall comprises a plurality ofapertures.

In an embodiment, the bottom step is substantially longer than the othersteps.

In an embodiment, the steps and bottom step are open.

In an embodiment, the steps and bottom step are closed.

In an embodiment, the steps and bottom step are closed with a top ortread that traverses the width and length of the steps and the bottomstep.

In an embodiment, a bumper is connected to each of the risers of theinside stepped side wall and the outside stepped side wall,respectively.

In an embodiment, the bumper has a substantially rectangular shape.

In an embodiment, the bumper is made of rubber or plastic.

In an embodiment, the bumper is made of laminated rubber.

In an embodiment, the bumper is made of molded rubber.

In an embodiment, the bumper has boreholes which allow the bumper to beconnected to the risers via mounting plates.

In an embodiment, the mounting plate has a substantially rectangularportion with a lower protrusion, which fits within the step formedbetween the inside stepped side wall and the outside stepped side wall.

In an embodiment, the rectangular portion of the mounting plate,traverses the width of the gap between the risers of the inside steppedside wall and the risers of the outside stepped side wall.

In an embodiment, the rectangular portion of the mounting plate hasboreholes that align with the boreholes of the bumper to allow forconnection by fasteners, in an embodiment, bolts and nuts.

In an embodiment, the bumper may be connected to the mounting plates byadhesive.

In an embodiment, the mounting plates are welded to the risers such thatthe mounting plates traverse the width of the base, from the insidestepped side wall to the outside stepped side wall, thereby connectingthe two stepped side walls at each of the risers.

In an embodiment, the rectangular portions of the mounting plates are ofa length that extends beyond the inside stepped side wall and theoutside stepped side wall.

In an embodiment, the pair of stepped assemblies creates matched steppedlanding areas on each side of the trailer stand.

It is understood that one or more of the aspects described herein (andabove) may be combined in any suitable manner. The novel and inventivefeatures of the present invention will become apparent to those of skillin the art upon examination of the following detailed description of theinvention. It should be understood, however, that the detaileddescription of the invention and the specific examples presented, whileindicating certain aspects of the present invention, are provided forillustration purposes only because various changes and modificationswithin the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent tothose of skill in the art from the detailed description of the inventionand claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further understood from the followingdescription with reference to the Figures, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an exemplary trailer stand.

FIG. 1B shows an alternate perspective view of the trailer stand of FIG.1A.

FIG. 1C shows a side view of the trailer stand of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a top view of the trailer stand of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is a bottom view of the trailer stand of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a front view of the trailer stand of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G is a rear view of the trailer stand of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a lifting frame arm of the trailerstand of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the brace plate of the trailer stand of FIG.1A.

FIG. 4A shows a cut-away top perspective view of a connector between thelifting arm and the wheel assembly of the trailer stand of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4B shows a cut-away bottom perspective view of the connector ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A shows a cut-away front perspective view of a stabilizer assemblyof the trailer stand of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5B shows a cut-away back perspective view of the stabilizerassembly of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a stabilizing assembly when the trailerstand of FIG. 1A is stationary.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the stabilizing assembly when the trailerstand of FIG. 1A is in motion.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective cut-away view of the center pivot of thestabilizing assembly of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a beam pivot of the stabilizingassembly of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a linkage pivot of the stabilizingassembly of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a connector plate of the stabilizingassembly of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a straight link of the stabilizingassembly of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a middle link of the stabilizingassembly of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the trailer stand of FIG. 1A as it is beingpositioned.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of the trailer stand of FIG. 1A after it hasbeen positioned.

FIG. 16A shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of atrailer stand.

FIG. 16B shows an alternate perspective view of the trailer stand ofFIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C shows a side view of the trailer stand of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16D is a top view of the trailer stand of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16E is a bottom view of the trailer stand of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16F is a front view of the trailer stand of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16G is a rear view of the trailer stand of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a perspective cutaway view of a stepped landing assembly ofthe trailer stand of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17B is an alternate perspective cutaway view of the stepped landingassembly of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an inside stepped wall of the steppedlanding assembly of FIGS. 17A and 17B.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an outside stepped wall of the steppedlanding assembly of FIGS. 17A and 17B.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bumper of the stepped landingassembly of FIGS. 17A and 17B.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a bumper attachment of the steppedlanding assembly of FIGS. 17A and 17B.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the trailer stand of FIG. 16A after it hasbeen positioned under a trailer, where the trailer is a certain distanceoff the ground.

FIG. 23 is another side view of the trailer stand of FIG. 16A after ithas been positioned under a trailer, where the trailer is a certaindistance off the ground.

FIG. 24A shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of atrailer stand.

FIG. 24B shows an alternate perspective view of the trailer stand ofFIG. 24A.

FIG. 24C shows a top view of the trailer stand of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24D shows a bottom view of the trailer stand of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24E shows a side view of the trailer stand of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24F shows a front view of the trailer stand of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24G shows a rear view of the trailer stand of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 25A shows a perspective view of the lifting assembly of the trailerstand of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 25B shows a side view of the lifting assembly of the trailer standof FIG. 24A.

FIG. 26 shows a side view of a raised cross brace for a kingpin of thelifting assembly of FIG. 25A.

FIG. 27 shows a top view of a bottom plate of the leg assembly of thetrailer stand of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 28 shows a side view of an arm support for connecting the liftingframe to the stepped landing assembly of the trailer stand of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 29 shows a close-up perspective view of the connection between thelifting frame and the stepped assembly.

FIG. 30 shows an alternate close-up perspective view of the connectionbetween the lifting frame and the stepped assembly

FIG. 31 shows a side view of the trailer stand of FIG. 24A when thelifting frame is tilted.

FIG. 32 shows a side view of an inside stepped wall of the steppedlanding assembly of the trailer stand of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 33 shows a side view of an outside stepped wall of the steppedlanding assembly of the trailer stand of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 34 shows a close-up top perspective view of a single steppedlanding assembly of the trailer stand of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 35 shows a perspective view of an exemplary bumper of the steppedlanding assembly of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 36 shows a front view of a mounting plate for a plurality ofbumpers of the stepped landing assembly of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 37 shows a front view of a mounting plate for a top bumper of thestepped landing assembly of FIG. 34 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN ASPECTS

Turning now to FIGS. 1A to 1E, an exemplary, mechanical trailer stand 10is shown having an elevated kingpin 14 on a lifting frame 12. Thelifting frame 12 is substantially S-shaped and is operatively connectedto a stiff leg assembly 16 and a wheel assembly 18. Atop the stiff legassembly 16 is a stabilizing assembly 20, which is operatively connectedto the lifting frame 12.

Lifting frame 12 comprises at least two arms 22. An arm 22 of liftingframe 12 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2 . The arm 22 may be made ofmetal tubing such as steel tubing, and may be cut and welded to form theshape. For example, arms 22 may be made with 4×4″ steel tubing. Arms 22are connected at the top end by a top cross support 24 and at its bottomend by a bottom cross support 26. Top cross support 24 and cross bottomsupport 26 are shown to be made of the same metal tubing as the arms 22for a consistent shape and size but may be any shape. A brace plate 28,shown in more detail in FIG. 3 , is connected to the inside of each arm22. Each arm 22 may have an end cap 23 to close the metal tubing.

Brace plate 28 is shaped and helps align arms 22 as the lifting frame 12is being constructed, providing the necessary angles at which the arms22 are to be shaped. Once lifting frame 12 is constructed, brace plate28 may be welded to the insides of the arms to provide reinforcement tothe joints of the arms 22. Furthermore, the shapes of each end of braceplate 28 provide a gusset at the joints of the arms. Brace plate 28 mayhave slots or notches to place other components of the linkage assembly100 as described below.

At the top end of the lifting frame 12, a kingpin is 14 supported on akingpin plate 30 by the top cross support 24 and a kingpin plate support32. The kingpin plate 30 may be further supported by a cross-bracing 34.In this embodiment, the kingpin plate 30 is attached to the liftingframe such that one end protrudes from the top cross support 24. Thekingpin plate 30 may be angled at this end to aid in engaging thekingpin with a shunt truck. The kingpin plate 30, may have a pluralityof holes 31 therethrough for drainage in the event of snow or rainaccumulation. The kingpin plate 30 may be made of cold rolled steel andmay be welded in place, adding weight to the top end of the liftingframe 12 and providing more stability to the trailer stand 10.

Stiff leg assembly 16 comprises at least two substantially vertical legs40 which may be made from, but are not limited, to steel tubing. In onenon-limiting example, square 6″×6″ steel tubing may be used, however anyshape or width or breadth tubing is possible. Each leg 40 has a bottomplate 42, such that each leg 40 is normal to the bottom plate 42. Bottomplate 42 may be made from, but not limited to, cold rolled steel and isshaped to lie substantially flat on a horizontal surface. Bottom plate42 may have angled ends to allow for pivoting when the trailer stand 10is being moved and when it is positioned. Each leg 40 may have a gusset44 for added support. Each gusset 44 is connected to each leg 40 at oneend and each bottom plate 42 at its other end, forming an angle. Eachgusset 44 may be made from steel tubing of the same dimensions as thelegs 40. An arm stop 70 is connected to each leg 40 of stiff legassembly 16. These arm stops are positioned on each leg 40 under eacharm 22. The arm stops 70 prevent the arms 22 from falling to the groundif any connection on the trailer stand 10 is disabled. For instance, ifany part of the linkage assembly 100 were to become detached or eitherof the hinge plates 60 were to come loose from the pairs of hinge plates62, the arm 22 would only travel downwards as far as the arm stops 70.

Wheel assembly 18 may comprise a U-shaped frame 46 connected to thestiff leg assembly 16. U-shaped frame 46 comprises at least two arms 48connected to a cross wheel brace 50. U-shaped frame 46 may be made from,but is not limited to, metal tubing such as steel tubing, for example,4″×4″ steel tubing, which is cut and welded into a U-shape. However, asa skilled person in the art will understand, any size or shape tubingmay be used to create the frame. The end of each arm 48 of the U-shapedframe 46 is connected to each leg 40 of the stiff leg assembly 16. Thewheel assembly 18 may have a wheel assembly gusset 52 to support theU-shaped frame 46. The wheel assembly gusset 52 is connected under eacharm 48 and connected to each leg 40 at or substantially close to thebottom plate 42 thereby forming an angle.

The cross wheel brace 50 has at least two U-shaped brackets 54 forsupporting an axel 56 having wheels 58. U-shaped brackets 54 are held tothe underside of cross wheel brace 50 by axel bracket connectors 55sitting on the top of cross wheel brace 50 via long bolts 53 traversingthe width of cross brace 50. U-shaped brackets 54 may be bolted to theunderside of cross wheel brace 50. Axel 56 is a tube or rod made frommetal or other robust material, such as steel. At each end of axel 56 atire or wheel 58 is rotationally connected by wheel bearings. Wheel 58may be any suitable tire for moving the trailer stand 10, such as atrailer tire. While one type of wheel and axel assembly has beendescribed herein, it is understood that any wheel and axel assembly maybe used.

Lifting frame 12 is shaped to fit within U-frame 46. The ends of eacharm 22 are pivotally connected to the inside of cross wheel brace 50. Inthis embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a hinge plate 60 is connectedto the end of each arm 22. Cross wheel brace 50 has at least two pairsof corresponding hinge plates 62 connected to the cross wheel brace 50of the U-frame 46, which align on each side of each hinge plate 60.Hinge plate 60 has a hole (not shown) which aligns with a holes (notshown) in the pair of hinge plates 62. Hinge plate 60 connects to thepair of hinge plates 62 via a bolt or cotter pin 63 through theircorresponding holes, allowing for the lifting frame 12 to pivot aroundthe axis created by the pin 63 when the lifting frame is raised at thetop cross support 24.

A stop bar 64, seen more clearly in FIG. 5A, is connected to the lowerend of each brace plate 28 and traverses the width of lifting frame 12.The stop bar 64 may have protrusions (not shown) which fit into notches(not shown) within the brace plate 28 to position it, and then the stopbar 64 may be welded into place. While FIG. 5A shows an embodiment wherestop bar 64 accommodates two stops, stop bar 64 may accommodate at leastone stop 66. Stop 66 may be a bolt with a cap held in a hole (not shown)in stop bar 64 by nuts 68 or other retention means. Stop bar 64 alignswith the stiff leg assembly 16 to sit beneath the stabilizing assembly20. When lifting frame 12 is raised, lifting frame 12 rotates about theaxis created by the hinge plates 60 and the pairs of hinge plates 62until the stops 66 engage the underside of stabilizing assembly 20. Whenthe stops 66 engage the stabilizing assembly 20, the lifting frame 12 nolonger pivots causing the U-frame 46 of the wheel assembly 18 to movewith the lifting frame 12 as it continues to be raised, thereby raisingthe stiff leg assembly 16. When the stiff leg assembly 16 is raisedthusly, the trailer stand 10 is supported on the wheels 58 and ismovable by rotating the wheels 58.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the stabilizing assembly 20 in more detail. Thestabilizing assembly 20 comprises a stabilizing cross support 80,support beam 82, beam pivots 84, beam linkage pivot 86, and linkagecross support 88. FIG. 6 shows a portion of the stabilizing assembly 20when the trailer stand 10 is not in motion. FIG. 7 shows the portion ofthe stabilizing assembly 20 when the trailer stand 10 is in motion. FIG.8 shows the linkage assembly 100 of the stabilizing assembly 20 in moredetail.

Stabilizing cross support 80 is connected to the tops of each verticalleg 40 and may be made from, but not limited to, steel tubing. Onenon-limiting example may be square 6″×6″ steel tubing, however, anyshape or width or breadth tubing may be possible. Each end ofstabilizing cross support 80 may have an end cap 81 which may be weldedinto place.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, two beam pivots 84 and alinkage pivot 86 sit atop the stabilizing cross support 80. However,stabilizing assembly 20 may have any arrangement or number of beampivots and linkage pivots to allow the movement of the stabilizingassembly 20. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the two beam pivots 84 are shown tohold the support beam 82 on each end of support beam 82. Linkage pivot86 holds the support beam 82 at its center. Support beam 82 may be around metal tube such as a round steel pipe and may have end caps 83which may be welded into place. Under the support beam 82 and betweeneach of the beam pivots 82 and the linkage pivot 86 are at least twoplates 87 which may be stitch-welded to the bottom of the support beam82 and welded to the beam pivots 82 and the linkage support 86. Theplates 87 help to keep the beam pivots 82 and linkage support 86 tofluidly move together. If a semi-trailer were to collapse onto thesupport beam 82, the plates 87 keep the beam pivots 82 from twisting andkeep the stabilizing assembly 20 moving together as a whole.

Beam pivots 84, shown in more detail in FIG. 9 , have a rounded cut out90 at the top to fit the support beam 82 to act as a bracket for thesupport beam 82. The bottom of support beam 82 fits within the roundedcut out 90 and is welded to the beam pivots 82. Linkage pivot 86, shownin more detail in FIG. 10 , has a similar rounded cut out 91 at its topto fit the support beam 82, which is also welded within this cut-out.Beam pivots 84 and linkage pivot 86 may be made of plate metal such ascold rolled steel and may be laser cut to shape. Each beam pivot 84 isheld to the stabilizing cross support 80 between a pair of pivotbrackets 92, which are welded to the stabilizing cross support 80. Pivotbrackets 92 are substantially a right-triangle shape and have a hole(not shown) at its wide end which aligns with the hole 94 in the beampivot 84. Beam pivot 84 is held by the pivot bracket 92 by a bolt orpin, such as a cotter pin 96, allowing the beam pivot 84 to rotatearound the axis of rotation created by the pin. While beam pivot 84 isshown to have a particular shape in FIG. 9 , it is understood that beampivot 84 may have any shape to allow it to hold the support beam 82 androtate around its axis of rotation.

Linkage pivot 86, shown in more detail in FIG. 10 , has a similar shapeto beam pivot 84, except linkage 86 has a protrusion 98 on one side.Protrusion 98 acts as a stop to prevent the stabilizing assembly fromrotating past the stabilizing cross support 80.

The linkage assembly 100 pivots the support beam 82 to a downwardposition when the lifting frame 12 is raised. Linkage assembly 100 isconnected to linkage cross support 88 at one end and to beam linkagepivot 86 at its other end. Linkage cross support 88 is connected to thebrace plate 28 and sits adjacent to and slightly above the stop bar 64and traverses inside of the lifting assembly 12. Linkage cross support88 may have notches (not shown) at each end which fit into slots (notshown) within the brace plate 28, and then linkage cross support 88 maybe welded to the brace plate 28.

Linkage assembly 100, shown in more detail in FIG. 8 , comprises aconnector plate 110, a first pair of straight links 112, a middle link114, and a second pair of straight links 116. All of the components ofthe linkage assembly 100 may be made from cold rolled steel which islaser cut. However, linkage assembly 100 may have any arrangement ornumber links and to allow the pivoting movement of the stabilizingassembly 20.

Linkage cross support 88 has a slot 89 that is shaped to retainconnector plate 110. Connector plate 110, shown in more detail in FIG.11 , is substantially rectangular with a flared top 118, which fits ingrooves (not shown) within the slot 89. Connector plate 110 has acentral hole 120.

Connector plate 110 is connected to a first pair of straight links 112,such that the connector plate is between the first pair of straightlinks 112. A single straight link 113, shown in FIG. 12 , issubstantially oblong having a first hole 122 at one end and a secondhole 124 at the other end. The central hole 120 of the connector plate110 aligns with the first holes 122 of each straight link 112. A cotterpin or bolt (not shown) may hold the connector plate 110 and the firstpair of straight links 112 together through their respective holes,creating an axis of rotation.

Middle link 114, shown in FIG. 13 , is substantially kidney-shaped, andhaving a wider end and a thinner end. Middle link 114 has a first hole126 and a second hole 128 at the wider end and a third hole 130 at thethinner end. First hole 126 of the middle link 114 aligns with thesecond holes 124 of the first pair of straight links 112. Middle link114 is held between the first pair of straight links 112 by a bolt orcotter pin 132, or some other retention means, through their respectiveholes, creating an axis of rotation.

Second hole 128 aligns with a hole (not shown) in a pair of triangularbrackets 134 attached to the side of stabilizing cross support 82.Middle link 114 is held between the pair of triangular brackets 134 by abolt or cotter pin 136, or some other retention means, through theirrespective holes, creating an axis of rotation.

Thinner end of middle link 114 is also held between a second pair ofstraight links 116. Second pair of straight links 116 comprises twostraight links 113 shown in FIG. 12 . Third hole 130 aligns with firstholes 122 of the second pair of straight links 116. Middle link 114 isheld between the second pair of straight links 112 by a bolt or cotterpin 132, or some other retention means, through their respective holes,creating an axis of rotation.

Second holes 124 of the second pair of straight links 116 aligns with ahole 138 in linkage pivot 86. Linkage pivot 86 is held between thesecond pair of straight links 116 when a bolt or cotter pin 140 or otherretention means traverses the second holes 124 and the hole 138,creating an axis of rotation.

In operation, as the lifting frame 12 is lifted, the linkage crosssupport 88 moves upwards, causing the linkage assembly 100 to rotatearound the axes of rotation created by the connections between theconnector plate 110, first pair of straight links 112, middle link 114,the pair of triangular brackets 134, the second pair of straight links116, and the linkage pivot 86. As shown, as the linkage cross support 88moves upward, the rotations of the links push the bottom of the linkagepivot up, causing it and the beam pivots 84 to pivot from a verticalposition to a horizontal position as shown in FIG. 7 . When protrusion98 engages with the stabilizing cross support 80, the linkage assembly100 is stopped from rotationally moving the pivots further.

FIG. 14 shows the trailer stand 10 in operation as it is being moved.Kingpin 14 of trailer stand 10 connects to a fifth wheel 152 of a shunttruck 150. Shunt truck 150 lifts the lifting frame 12 via the kingpin14. As the lifting frame 12 is lifted, the linkage assembly 100 isactivated, and the stabilizing assembly 20 is pivoted. When the stops 66on stop bar 64 engage the stabilizing cross support 80, the U-frame 46of the wheel assembly 18 moves in conjunction with the lifting frame 12,lifting the leg assembly 16 off the ground, such that the trailer stand10 is supported by the shunt truck 150 and its wheels 58. The shunttruck 150 is then able to move the trailer stand 10 under thesemi-trailer 160.

Trailer stand 10 may have a flag 72 in a flag holder 74 to aid visuallythe operator in placing the trailer stand 10. For example, if the flag72 is at the center of the width of the stand 10, then an operator candetermine if the stand 10 is centered to the trailer 160. The flag alsomay visually indicate the proximity of the trailer stand 10 to thesemi-trailer 160 by waving or vibrating as it engages with thesemi-trailer 160. Flag 72 may be a rod or staff made from any flexiblematerial such as fiberglass and may have further visual indicatorsattached to it, such as a small piece of fabric or plastic sheet (notshown). Flag holder 74 may be connected to the brace plate 28 and holdsflag 72 by insertion into a spring (not shown) protruding from a centralhole (not shown).

FIG. 15 shows the trailer stand 10 after it has been placed under thesemi-trailer 160. Shunt truck 150 lowers the lifting assembly 12,thereby lowering the leg assembly 16. As the lifting assembly 12 lowers,the linkage assembly 100 lowers and the stabilizing assembly 20 pivotsback from its horizontal position to its vertical position. As shown inFIG. 15 , the stabilizing assembly 20 does not need to be in contactwith the bottom of the trailer 160. The gap between the support beam 82and the trailer 160 creates a “catch-zone” of about 1 to about 3 inches,whereby if the trailer 160 were to collapse, it would gradually andsafely land on the support beam 82. In one embodiment, the “catch zone”gap is about 1 inch. In another embodiment, the “catch zone” gap isabout 2 inches. In another embodiment, the “catch zone” gap is about 3inches.

The trailer stand 10 is positionable under the semi-trailer 160 furtherthan standard manual trailer stands which typically sit at the edge ofthe end of the semi-trailer 160 or within 6″ of the edge, ensuring morestability in the event of the landing gear 162 of the semi-trailer 160collapsing.

Because of the shape of the trailer stand 10, for example, the elongatedwheel assembly 18, and the elongated lifting frame 12, the center ofgravity of the trailer stand 10 is around the gusset 44. This makes itvery difficult to tip the trailer stand 10 forward or backward and thusan operator could not become pinned under the trailer stand 10.

The width of support beam 82, in this example, is determined to byknowing the width of standard semi-trailers and forklifts andestablishing the half-way point of where a forklift would be if it wasinside the semi-trailer. Thus, the width of the support beam 82 mayreach up to the half-way point of where a forklift (not shown) would beif it were against one side of the inside of the semi-trailer. This way,if the landing gear 162 of a semi-trailer 160 were to collapse while aforklift were inside, the support beam 82 would be able to support theweight sufficiently as the semi-trailer came down. In this manner, thetrailer stand 10 would prevent the semi-trailer 160 from tipping forwardor to one side. However, the support beam 82 may be longer or shorterdepending on the needs of the operator. Because of the shape of thetrailer stand 10, it is able to support up to about 100,000 lb of load.

While an articulating trailer stand 10 has been described herein, it isunderstood that the trailer stand 10 may also be static or fixed. In oneembodiment, instead of sitting atop pivots, implemented by the linkageassembly 100, the support beam 82 would sit atop the leg assembly 16 bya support means that is substantially vertical. The “catch-zone” gapwould be sufficiently large enough to allow the trailer stand 10 to beplaced under a semi-trailer 160 as it is being moved into place. Inanother embodiment, the stabilizing assembly 20 is configured as aseries of support beams 82 which are vertically oriented as steps asshown in FIG. 16 . In this embodiment, the shunt truck 150 moves thetrailer stand 10 under the semi-trailer 160 until the about 1 inch toabout 3 inch “catch zone” gap is created by the appropriate verticallyoriented support beam 82 or step.

Because of the automated mechanical nature of the trailer stand 10,operator intervention in the placement, positioning and adjusting of thetrailer stand 10 is unnecessary. Thus, the operator does not have toleave the cab of the shunt truck 150 to place the trailer stand 10,ensuring the operator's safety at all times of operation.

In embodiments of the present invention, the trailer stand 10 does notrequire a motor for positioning the trailer stand 10 under thesemi-trailer 160 or removing the trailer stand 10 from under thesemi-trailer 160 or for pivoting the stabilizing assembly 20. In theseembodiments, the motion of the shunt truck 150 is utilized to positionthe trailer stand 10 under the semi-trailer 160, to remove the trailerstand 10 from under the semi-trailer 160, and to pivot the stabilizingassembly 20.

FIGS. 16A to 16G show an alternative embodiment of a trailer stand,generally referenced by the number 200. In this example, trailer stand200 comprises a lifting frame 202, a leg assembly 204, a wheel assembly208, and a stepped landing assembly 210. The lifting frame 202 comprisesa U-shaped frame having at least two arms 212 connected by a top crosssupport 224. The arms 212, top cross support 224 may be from squaremetal tubing, such as 4×4″ steel tubing, but may be any size or shape tocreate the frame. The lifting frame 202 has a guide rail 206 on each arm212. The guide rails 206 acts as a visual guide for a shunt truckoperator to place the trailer stand 200. The guide rails 206 are of asufficient height that the shunt truck operator can see them from theshunt truck and allow the operator to place the trailer stand 200substantially square to a semi-trailer. The guide rails 206, in thisexample, are shown to be U-shaped and connected to the top of each arm212. It is understood that the guard rails 206 may be any shape thatallows a shunt truck operator to visually guide the trailer stand 200.

Like the embodiment in FIG. 1A, the lifting frame 202 has a kingpin 214held by a kingpin plate 230. The kingpin plate 230 is connected to thetop cross support 224 and a kingpin plate support 232. The kingpin plate230 may be further supported by a cross-bracing 234. In this embodiment,the kingpin plate 230 is attached to the lifting frame such that one endprotrudes from the top cross support 224. The kingpin plate 230 may beangled upward at this end to aid in engaging the kingpin with a shunttruck. The kingpin plate 230, may have a plurality of holes 231therethrough for drainage in the event of snow or rain accumulation. Thekingpin plate 230 may be made of cold rolled steel and may be welded inplace.

Leg assembly 204 comprises a pair of substantially vertical front legs240 and a pair of substantially vertical back legs 242 which may be madefrom, but are not limited, to metal tubing, such as 6″×6″ steel tubing.However, the legs 240 and 242 may be made of metal tubing of anydimensions to create the legs of the leg assembly. Each leg 240, 242 issupported on a bottom plate 244, such that each leg 240 is normal to thebottom plate 244. Bottom plate 244 may be made from, but not limited to,cold rolled steel and is shaped to lie substantially flat on ahorizontal surface. Bottom plate 244 may have angled ends to allow forpivoting when the trailer stand 200 is being moved and when it ispositioned. Between each of the front legs 240 and each of the back legs242 is a leg brace 246, which keeps the legs apart and from twisting ifthe ground on which the trailer stand 200 sits is not level, The legbrace 246 may be a metal plate such as steel plate or cold rolled steeland may be laser cut to shape. In this embodiment, the leg brace hascircular and semicircular cut outs to reduce the weight of the overalltrailer stand. As the skilled person in the art will understand, anysize, shape, or thickness metal plate may be used to create the legbrace 246. The skilled person will also understand that any type ofbrace or gusset may be used to reinforce the legs and stabilize thebottom plate 244, such as, but not limited to, metal tubing.

A front cross support 260 is connected to the tops of each front leg240. A back cross support 262 is connected to the tops of each back leg242. The front cross support 260 and the back cross support 262 may bemade from, but not limited to, metal tubing, such as 6″×6″ steel tubingand may have an end caps 261, 263 respectively, covering each end.However, the front cross support 260 and the back cross support 262 maybe made of metal tubing of any dimensions in order to connect the legsand support the stepped assembly 210.

Like the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the wheel assembly 208 maycomprise a U-shaped frame 236 connected to the back pair of legs 242 ofthe leg assembly 204. U-shaped frame 236 comprises at least two arms 238connected to a cross wheel brace 250. U-shaped frame 236 may be madefrom, but is not limited to, metal tubing such as steel tubing, forexample, 4″×4″ steel tubing. However, the skilled person in the art willunderstand, any size and dimension of tubing may be used to create theframe. The end of each arm 238 of the U-shaped frame 236 is connected toeach back leg 242 of the leg assembly 204. The wheel assembly 208 mayhave a wheel assembly gusset 252 to support the U-shaped frame 236. Thewheel assembly gusset 252 may be a substantially triangular shaped steelplate which may be connected under each arm 238 and connected to eachback leg 242.

The cross wheel brace 250 has at least two U-shaped brackets 254(similar to U-shaped brackets 54 shown in FIG. 4B) for supporting anaxel 256 having wheels 258. U-shaped brackets 254 are held to theunderside of cross wheel brace 250 by axel bracket connectors 255(similar to bracket connectors 55 shown in FIG. 4A) sitting on the topof cross wheel brace 250 via long bolts 253 (similar to long bolts 53shown in FIG. 4A) traversing the width of cross brace 250. U-shapedbrackets 254 may be bolted to the underside of cross wheel brace 250.Axel 256 is a tube or rod made from metal or other robust material, suchas steel. At each end of axel 256 a tire or wheel 258 is rotationallyconnected by wheel bearings. Wheel 258 may be any suitable tire formoving the trailer stand 200, such as a trailer tire. While one type ofwheel and axel assembly has been described herein, it is understood thatany wheel and axel assembly may be used.

Turning now to FIGS. 17A and 17B, a stepped landing assembly 210 for thetrailer stand 200 is shown in more detail. Each arm 212 is connected toa stepped landing assembly 210. Each stepped landing assembly 210 sitsatop and is connected to the front cross support 260 of the front pairof legs 240 and the back cross support 262 of the back pair of legs 242of the leg assembly 204. Each stepped landing assembly 210 comprises abase 264, an inside stepped side wall 266, and an outside steppedsidewall 268. The base 264 may be made from square metal tubing such as6″×6″ steel tubing, however any size or dimension of tubing may be usedto create the base. The tubing may have end caps 265 to cover each endof the base 264. The base 264 sits atop and is connected to the frontcross support 260 at one end of the base 264, and to the back crosssupport 262, such that the base 264 traverses the gap between the frontpair of legs 240 and the back pair of legs 242 and extends past the backpair of legs 242 at the other end of the base 264.

The inside stepped wall 266 and the outside stepped wall 268 areconnected to the sides of the base 264 to substantially form a steppedopen-topped box. The inside stepped wall 266 can be seen in more detailin FIG. 18 . The outside stepped wall 268 can be seen in more detail inFIG. 19 . Both the inside stepped wall 266 and the outside stepped wall268 may be made of cold rolled steel and laser cut to shape. The insidestepped wall 266 and outside stepped wall 268 act much like stringers instair construction, having treads and risers to form stages or steps.

The inside stepped wall 266 has a top 270, which is shaped to have aplurality of treads 272, a front end 271, a back end 273, and a bottom278. At the front end 271, a top arm connection 274 is welded to the arm212, such that the entire top arm connection 274 is substantially flushwith the top of the arm 212. Under the top arm connection 274, the frontend 271 is angled. This forms a gusset 275 under the arm 212 providingrigidity and stability for the arm 212. The base 264 is connected to theinside stepped wall 266 such that the bottom 278 of the inside steppedwall 266 is substantially flush with the bottom of the base 264. Theinside stepped wall 266 may have a plurality of circular holes 267 toallow for melting or draining of any accumulation of snow, ice or raindue to weather conditions on the base 264. The inside stepped wall 266may extend beyond the length of the base 264 at each end 271, 273.

Each of the plurality of treads 272 may be about 10″ in length, and eachhaving a riser 277 of about 2 to 4″ in height. However, as the skilledperson in the art will understand, any length of tread and any height ofriser may be used and depends on the acceptable height that a trailermay fall onto the stand 200 and the acceptable amount of tread tosupport a trailer if it were to land on the trailer stand 200. At theback end 273, a bottom tread 280 may be approximately 18″ in length.Under the bottom tread 280, the inside stepped wall 266 is angled andextends lower than the bottom 278 to form a hook or lip 282 whichextends downwards to connect to the back cross support 262 forming aright angle around two sides of the back cross support 262. The lip 282may provide more surface area to connect the inside stepped wall 266 tothe back cross support 262, thereby providing more overall stability andrigidity for the stepped wall assembly 210.

The outside stepped wall 268 has a top 284, a front end 286, a back end288, and a bottom 290. The top 284 is shaped to have a plurality oftreads 292 which substantially correspond in length and height to theplurality of treads 272 of the inside stepped wall 266.

The base 264 is connected to the outside stepped wall 268 such that thebottom 290 of the outside stepped wall 268 is substantially flush withthe bottom of the base 264. The outside stepped wall 268 may have aplurality of circular holes 269 to allow for melting or draining of anyaccumulation of snow, ice or rain due to weather conditions on the base264. The outside stepped wall 268 may extend beyond the length of thebase 264 at each end 286, 288. In this embodiment, the top armconnection 294 of the outside wall 268 is shorter than the top armconnection of inside wall 266 and the front end 286 is substantiallyperpendicular to the bottom 290. Like the inside stepped wall 266, thebottom tread 296 of the outside stepped wall 268 is angled and extendslower than the bottom 490 to form a hook or lip 289 which extendsdownwards to connect to the back cross support 262 forming a right anglearound two sides of the back cross support 262. The lip 289 may providemore surface area to connect the outside stepped wall 268 to the backcross support 262, thereby providing more overall stability and rigidityfor the stepped wall assembly 210. The plurality of treads 292 may beabout 8″ to 10″ in length, each having a riser 298 of about 3″ inheight. At the back end 288, a bottom tread 296 may be approximately 18″in length.

Turning back to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the treads 272 and risers 277 of theinside stepped wall 266 and the treads 292 and risers 298 of the outsidestepped wall 268 substantially align on each side of the base 264,forming open stages or steps 300. The bottom step 301 is substantiallylonger than the other steps 300. The steps 300 and bottom step 301 areopen so that during rainy, snowy or icy weather conditions, no build-upof water, snow, or ice forms on the steps 300. While the examples shownin FIGS. 17A and 17B show the steps 300 to be open, the steps 300 may beclosed with a top or treading that traverses the width and length ofsteps 300 for warmer, dryer climates, or for aesthetic purposes.

In the embodiment shown, a bumper 302 is connected to each of the risers277, 298 of inside stepped wall 266 and the outside stepped wall 268respectively. The bumper 302 prevents metal-on-metal contact between therisers 277, 298 and the semi-trailer 160. The bumper 302 is shown inmore detail in FIG. 20 and has a substantially rectangular shape. Inthis example, the rubber bumper may be made to a sufficient size andshape to absorb the contact from the semi-trailer 160. The rubber bumper302 has boreholes 304 which allow the bumper to be connected to therisers 277, 298 via mounting plates 306. The bumper may be made frommolded rubber or plastic.

A single mounting plate 306 is shown in more detail in FIG. 21 . Themounting plate 306 has a substantially rectangular portion 307 with alower protrusion 308, which fits within the step 300 formed between theinside stepped wall 266 and the outside stepped wall 268. Therectangular portion 307 of the mounting plate 306, traverses the widthof the gap between the risers 277 of the inside stepped wall 266 and therisers 298 of the outside stepped wall 268. The rectangular portion 307has boreholes 310 that align with boreholes 304 of the rubber bumper 302to allow for connection by bolts and nuts (not shown). Alternatively,the rubber bumper 302 may be connected to the mounting plates 304 byadhesive or any suitable connecting means. The mounting plates 304 maybe welded to the risers 277, 298 such that the mounting plates 304traverse the width of the base 264, from the inside stepped wall 266 tothe outside stepped wall 268, thereby connecting the two stepped wallsat each of the risers. The rectangular portions 307 may be of a lengththat extends beyond the inside stepped wall 266 and the outside steppedwall 268.

The pair of stepped assemblies 210 creates matched stepped landing areason each side of the stand 200. While FIGS. 16 to 21 show a particularshape to the inside stepped wall 266 and outside stepped wall 268 tocreate the stepped landing assemblies 210, it is understood that anyshape of the walls is feasible to create the stepped landing areas 300,301 and to support a trailer in the event of a free-fall or a tip.

FIG. 22 shows the trailer stand 200 after it has been positioned under asemi-trailer 160. Kingpin 14 of trailer stand 200 is connected to afifth wheel 152 of a shunt truck 150. To move the trailer stand 200,shunt truck 150 lifts the stand 200 via the fifth wheel 152 and thekingpin 14, pivoting the entire stand upwards, creating an axis ofrotation around the wheels 258 of the stand so that it is moveable byits wheels 258. Once the stand is positioned, the shunt truck 150 lowersthe stand 200 via the fifth wheel 152. In FIG. 22 , the trailer stand200 is positioned such that the bottom step 301 is positioned under thesemi-trailer 160.

Step 301 of each stepped assembly 210 is substantially longer than steps300 to accommodate if the trailer stand 200 is positioned on an angle tothe semi-trailer 160. The approximate maximum angle the trailer stand200 could be positioned in relation to the semi-trailer is about 60°. Inthe case of a drop or collapse of the semi-trailer 160 onto the stand200, one side of the trailer 160 would drop onto the step 301 on oneside, and be fully supported by the trailer stand 200, while the otherside would be supported by the step 301 up to about 2″, which isconsidered a safe drop.

The underside of a semi-trailer 160 may be between 40″ to 50″ off theground. The height of the bottom step 301 from the ground is about 36″to 39″. If the semi-trailer 160 is higher than 40″ off the ground, thenthe trailer stand 200, is positioned further under the semi-trailer 160,until it reaches the step 300 with the height that corresponds with theheight of the semi-trailer off the ground, such that the bumpers 302 ofeach step 300 connect with the outer wall of the semi-trailer 160. Thisconfiguration means that whichever step 300, 301 is positioned under thesemi-trailer 160, the “catch-zone” is between about 2″ and 3″. Forexample, FIG. 23 shows the trailer stand 200 positioned under thesemi-trailer 160 such that the semi-trailer 160 is over the top step 300of the trailer stand 200. In this case, the semi-trailer 160 would be atits maximum height off the ground. Even if the stand 200 were positionedincorrectly, such that the front wall of the trailer 160 did not engagea bumper 302, there would be enough of a step underneath the trailer160, that were it to fall or tip, that step or the step immediatelybelow that step would catch the trailer 160, so that the maximum thetrailer may fall would be 2″ to 6″.

The pair of stepped assemblies 210 are separated to accommodate thekingpin 164 of the semi-trailer 160 as the trailer stand 200 movesfurther under the semi-trailer 160, until it reaches the appropriatestep 300, 301 to match the height of semi-trailer 160.

The width of trailer stand, in this example, is determined to by knowingthe width of standard semi-trailers and forklifts and establishing thehalf-way point of where a forklift would be if it was inside thesemi-trailer. Thus, the width of the trailer stand 200 may reach up tothe half-way point of where a forklift (not shown) would be if it wereagainst one side of the inside of the semi-trailer. This way, if thelanding gear 162 of a semi-trailer 160 were to collapse while a forkliftwere inside, the trailer stand 200 would be able to support the weightsufficiently as the semi-trailer 160 comes down. In this manner, thetrailer stand 200 would prevent the semi-trailer 160 from tippingforward or to one side. However, the trailer stand 200 may be wider ornarrower depending on the needs of the operators. In some embodiments,the trailer stand 200 has a width of about 60″. Because of the shape ofthe trailer stand 200, it is able to support up to about 100,000 lb ofload.

While the embodiments of FIGS. 16 to 23 show the trailer stand 200 tohave three steps 300 and an elongated bottom step 301, it is understoodthat the trailer stand 200 may have any number of steps of any length orwidth to accommodate a semi-trailer 160.

FIGS. 24A to 24G show an alternate embodiment of a trailer stand 400 tothe stepped trailer stand of FIGS. 16 to 23 . In this example, trailerstand 400 comprises a lifting frame 402, a leg assembly 404, a steppedlanding assembly 406, and a wheel assembly 408.

The lifting frame 402, shown in more detail in FIGS. 25A and 25B,comprises a U-shaped frame having at least two arms 412 connected by atop cross support 424. The arms 412, top cross support 424 may be frommetal tubing, such as 4×4″ steel tubing, but may be any size or shape tocreate the frame. Like the embodiment in FIG. 1A and FIG. 16A, thelifting frame 402 has a kingpin 414 held by a kingpin plate 430. Thekingpin plate 430 is connected to the top cross support 424 and akingpin plate support 432. Kingpin plate support 432 may have a plate435 for a visual guide and/or for placing a brand name, model number orlogo. The kingpin plate 430 may be further supported by a cross-bracing434. In this embodiment, one of the cross-bracing 410, shown in FIG. 26, may have a higher profile than the other cross-bracing 434, and mayhave a notch 411 into which the cross support 424 fits, such thatcross-bracing 410 connects over cross support 424. Because this higherprofile cross-bracing 410 is visible over the top cross support 424 andlocated substantially at the center of the cross support 424, it mayhelp a shunt truck operator to center the kingpin 414 when positioningthe trailer stand 400 under a semi-trailer.

Like the embodiment in FIG. 16A, the kingpin plate 430 is attached tothe lifting frame 402 such that one end protrudes from the top crosssupport 424. The kingpin plate 430 may be angled upward at this end toaid in engaging the kingpin 414 with a shunt truck. The kingpin plate430, may have a plurality of holes 431 therethrough for drainage in theevent of snow or rain accumulation. The kingpin plate 430 may be made ofcold rolled steel and may be welded in place, however any method ofattaching the kingpin plate 430 to the lifting frame 402 is possible.

FIGS. 25A and 25B show that each arm 412 has a hole 416 and a pluralityof slots 418, 420 at the end opposite to that which connects to thecross support 424. The hole 416 and the plurality of slots 418, 420traverse the width of arm 412 accommodate therethrough bolt 417, 419 forconnecting the arm to the stepped assembly 406. FIGS. 29 and 30 showclose-up views of the connection between the lifting frame 402 and thestepped assembly 406. First bolt 417 through hole 416 may act as an axisfor pivoting the lifting frame 402 when initially assembling the trailerstand 400. That is, the arms 412 may be attached to the stepped assembly406 at an upwards or downwards angle. An example of an angled connectionis shown in FIG. 31 . The plurality of slots 418, 420 are progressivelylonger towards the end of the arm 412, allowing the arm 412 to be boltedto the stepped assembly 406 at a desired angle. It may be desirable toconnect the arms lifting assembly 402 at an angle to the steppedassembly 406 to accommodate docking ramps that are sloped, so that thetrailer stand 400 or shunt truck are able to move up a or down a dockingramp, maintaining a level movement. While FIGS. 25A and 25B show twoslots 418, 420, it is understood that any number of slots is possiblefor connecting the lifting frame 402 to the stepped assembly 406.

FIG. 30 shows that the inside of the arm 412 is connected to the innerface of an inside stepped wall 466. FIG. 29 shows that the outside ofthe arm 412 is connected to an additional arm support 504, which isshown in more detail in FIG. 32 , and described below. Arm support 504,shown in FIG. 28 , is a substantially triangular plate, having an innerand outer face, and a top side, a sloped side, a vertical side which hasa protrusion 506, forming a lower notch 508. The base 464 of the steppedwall assembly 406 fits within notch 508, so that arm support 504 sits onthe base 464. The top side of the arm support 504 has a plurality ofholes 509, 510, which substantially align with holes 512, 514 in theinside stepped wall 466. Holes 509, 510 and the holes in the insidestepped wall 466 may accommodate the bolts 417, 419, respectively, tosecure the arm 412 to the arm support 504 with nuts 505. First bolt 417is accommodated by first hole 509 in the arm support 504 therethrough tofirst hole 512 in the inside stepped wall 466 and acts as the axis forpivoting the lifting frame 402. Remaining holes 510 in the arm support504 accommodate bolts 419 therethrough to remaining holes 514 in theinside stepped wall 466, for securing the arm 412 when the arm has beenpositioned at a desired angle around the axis. Holes 510 in the armsupport 504 and holes in the inside stepped wall are the substantiallythe same size to ensure the bolts do not slide in the slots 418, 420 inthe arm.

Turning back to FIGS. 24A-24G, leg assembly 404 comprises a pair ofsubstantially vertical front legs 440 and a pair of substantiallyvertical back legs 442 which may be made from, but are not limited, tometal tubing. The legs 440 and 442 may be made of metal tubing of anydimensions to create the legs of the leg assembly and to support theweight of the rest of the trailer stand 400 as well as the semi-trailerin the event of tipping. Each leg 440, 442 is attached to a bottom plate444, shown in FIG. 27 , such that each leg 440, 442 is normal to thebottom plate 444. Bottom plate 444 may be made from, but not limited to,metal plate such as cold rolled steel and is shaped to be substantiallyhorizontal. Legs 440 and 442 may be connected to the bottom plate 444 bywelding or any possible connection means.

Bottom plate 444 may be connected to a plurality of bumpers 448, whichcome into contact with a ground surface. The bottom plate 444 may have aplurality of holes 445 therethrough for connecting to the plurality ofbumpers 448 by angle brackets 449 using nuts and bolts. However, as oneskilled in the art will understand, the angle brackets 449 may beconnected to the bottom plate 444 by other means such as welding. Theplurality of bumpers 448 may be laminated rubber bumpers, molded rubberbumpers, or any kind of bumper. The plurality of bumpers 448 may providefriction for the trailer stand 400, inhibiting the trailer stand fromsliding. Because the plurality of bumpers 448 are made from a moreflexible material than a metal plate, the plurality of bumpers 448 mayprovide more contact with a ground surface that is uneven. The pluralityof bumpers 448 may provide some shock absorption in the event of asemi-trailer tip. The bumpers 448 may act as a chock for a trailer sincethe friction provided by the bumpers 448 may also help to prevent thetrailer from “creeping” forward while a forklift is moving within thetrailer.

Between each of the front legs 440 and each of the back legs 442 is aleg brace 446, which keeps the legs apart and from twisting if theground on which the trailer stand 400 sits is not level. The leg brace446 may be a metal plate, such as rolled steel. As the skilled person inthe art will understand, any size or thickness metal plate may be usedto create the leg brace.

The skilled person will also understand that any type of brace or gussetmay be used to reinforce the legs and stabilize the bottom plate 444,such as, but not limited to, metal tubing.

A front cross support 460 is connected to the tops of each front leg 440and reinforced underneath by a gusset 500 connected to each leg front440. A back cross support 462 is connected to the tops of each back leg442 and reinforced underneath by a gusset 502 connected to each back leg442. The front cross support 460 and the back cross support 462 may bemade from, but not limited to, metal tubing, such as 6″×6″ steel tubingand may have an end caps 461, 463 respectively, covering each end.However, the front cross support 460 and the back cross support 462 maybe made of metal tubing of any dimensions in order to connect the legsand support the stepped assembly 406. Gussets 500 and 502 may be madefrom metal plate such as steel plate and are sized and shaped to besuitable for reinforcing the front and back cross supports 460, 462.

Like the embodiment shown in FIG. 16A, the wheel assembly 408, shown inFIGS. 24A-24G, may comprise a U-shaped frame 436 connected to the backpair of legs 442 of the leg assembly 204. U-shaped frame 436 comprisesat least two arms 438 connected to a cross wheel brace 450. U-shapedframe 436 may be made from, but is not limited to, metal tubing such assteel tubing, for example, 4″×4″ steel tubing. However, the skilledperson in the art will understand, any size and dimension of tubing maybe used to create the frame. The end of each arm 438 of the U-shapedframe 436 is connected to each back leg 442 of the leg assembly 404. Thewheel assembly 408 may have a wheel assembly gusset 452 to support theU-shaped frame 436. The wheel assembly gusset 452 may be a substantiallytriangular shaped steel plate, however any shape or size gusset may beused to support the U-shaped frame 436. The gussets 452 may be connectedunder each arm 438 and connected to each back leg 442.

The cross wheel brace 450 has at least two U-shaped brackets 454(similar to U-shaped brackets 54 shown in FIG. 4B) for supporting anaxel 456 having wheels 458. U-shaped brackets 454 are held to theunderside of cross wheel brace 450 by axel bracket connectors 455(similar to bracket connectors 55 shown in FIG. 4A) sitting on the topof cross wheel brace 450 via long bolts 453 (similar to long bolts 53shown in FIG. 4A) traversing the width of cross brace 450. U-shapedbrackets 454 may be bolted to the underside of cross wheel brace 450.Axel 456 is a tube or rod made from metal or other robust material, suchas steel. At each end of axel 456 a tire or wheel 458 is rotationallyconnected by wheel bearings. Wheel 458 may be any suitable tire formoving the trailer stand 400, such as a trailer tire. While one type ofwheel and axel assembly has been described herein, it is understood thatany wheel and axel assembly may be used.

Turning now to FIG. 34 , a stepped landing assembly 406 for the trailerstand 400 is shown in more detail. Each arm 412 is connected to astepped landing assembly 406. Each stepped landing assembly 406 sitsatop and is connected to the front cross support 460 of the front pairof legs 440 and the back cross support 462 of the back pair of legs 442of the leg assembly 404. Each stepped landing assembly 406 comprises abase 464, an inside stepped side wall 466, and an outside steppedsidewall 468. The base 464 may be made from metal tubing such as 6″×6″steel tubing, however any size or dimension of tubing may be used tocreate the base. The tubing may have end caps 465 to cover each end ofthe base 464. The base 464 sits atop and is connected to the front crosssupport 460 at one end of the base 464, and to the back cross support462, such that the base 464 traverses the gap between the front pair oflegs 440 and the back pair of legs 442 and extends past the back pair oflegs 442 at the other end of the base 464.

The inside stepped wall 466 and the outside stepped wall 468 areconnected to the sides of the base 464 to substantially form a steppedopen-topped box. The inside stepped wall 466 can be seen in more detailin FIG. 32 . The outside stepped wall 468 can be seen in more detail inFIG. 33 . Both the inside stepped wall 466 and the outside stepped wall468 may be made of metal such as cold rolled steel and laser cut toshape. The inside stepped wall 466 and outside stepped wall 468 act muchlike stringers in stair construction, having treads and risers to formstages or steps.

The inside stepped wall 466 has a top 470, which is shaped to have aplurality of treads 472, a front end 471, a back end 473, and a bottom478. At the front end 471, a top arm connection 474 has holes 512 and514 for connecting to the arm 412 (as described above), such that thetop arm connection 474 is substantially flush with the top of the arm412.

Under the top arm connection 474, the front end 471 is angled. Thisforms a gusset 475 under the arm 412 providing rigidity and stabilityfor the arm 412. The base 464 is connected to the inside stepped wall466 such that the bottom 478 of the inside stepped wall 466 issubstantially flush with the bottom of the base 464. The inside steppedwall 466 may have a plurality of circular holes 467 to allow for meltingor draining of any accumulation of snow, ice or rain due to weatherconditions on the base 464. The inside stepped wall 766 may extendbeyond the length of the base 464 at each end 471, 473.

Each of the plurality of treads 472 may be about 10″ in length, and eachhaving a riser 477 of about 2 to 4″ in height. However, as the skilledperson in the art will understand, any length of tread and any height ofriser may be used and depends on the acceptable height that a trailermay fall onto the stand 400 and the acceptable amount of tread tosupport a trailer if it were to land on the trailer stand 400.

The top arm connection 474 has a protrusion 520. Protrusion 520 formsthe top riser 522, which is higher than the other risers 477. The highertop riser 522 may be at a height to block a semi-trailer from overrideand avoid a semi-trailer possibly landing on the arms 412 in the eventof tipping or landing gear failure.

At the back end 473, a bottom tread 480 may be approximately 18″ inlength. Under the bottom tread 480, the inside stepped wall 466 may beangled and extends lower than the bottom 478 to form a hook or lip 482which extends downwards to connect to the back cross support 462 forminga right angle around two sides of the back cross support 462, providingrigidity or stability for the stepped wall assembly 406.

The outside stepped wall 468 has a top 484, a front end 486, a back end488, and a bottom 490. The top 484 is shaped to have a plurality oftreads 492 which substantially correspond in length and height to theplurality of treads 472 of the inside stepped wall 466.

The base 464 is connected to the outside stepped wall 468 such that thebottom 490 of the outside stepped wall 468 is substantially flush withthe bottom of the base 464. The outside stepped wall 468 may have aplurality of circular holes 469 to allow for melting or draining of anyaccumulation of snow, ice or rain due to weather conditions on the base464.

The outside stepped wall 468 may extend beyond the length of the base464 at each end 486, 488. In this embodiment, the top 484 of the outsidewall 468 is shorter in length than the top arm connection 474 of insidewall 466 and the front end 486 is substantially perpendicular to thebottom 490. The top 484 of the outside wall 468 has an upper protrusion523 at the front end 486. Protrusion 523 forms the top riser 524, whichis higher than the other risers 498. The higher top riser 524substantially aligns with the higher top riser 522 of the inner steppedwall 466 to block a semi-trailer from override and avoid thesemi-trailer from possibly landing on the arms 412 in the event oftipping or landing gear failure.

Like the inside stepped wall 466, the bottom tread 496 of the outsidestepped wall 468 is angled and extends lower than the bottom 490 to forma hook or lip 489 which extends downwards to connect to the back crosssupport 462 forming a right angle around two sides of the back crosssupport 462. The plurality of treads 492 may be about 8″ to 10″ inlength, each having a riser 498 of about 3″ in height. At the back end488, a bottom tread 496 is approximately 18″ in length. However, as theskilled person in the art will understand, any length of tread and anyheight of riser may be used and depends on the acceptable height that atrailer may fall onto the stand 400 and the acceptable amount of treadto support a trailer if it were to land on the trailer stand 400.

Turning back to FIG. 34 , the treads 472 and risers 477 of the insidestepped wall 466 and the treads 492 and risers 498 of the outsidestepped wall 468 substantially align on each side of the base 464,forming open stages or steps 526. The bottom step 528 is substantiallylonger than the other steps 526. The steps 526 and bottom step 528 areopen so that during rainy, snowy or icy weather conditions, no build-upof water, snow, or ice forms on the steps 526. While the example shownin FIG. 34 show the steps 300 to be open, the steps 300 may be closedwith a top or treading that traverses the width and length of steps 526for warmer, dryer climates, or for aesthetic purposes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 34 , a bumper 530 is connected to eachof the risers 477, 498 of inside stepped wall 466 and the outsidestepped wall 468, respectively. The bumper 530 prevents metal-on-metalcontact between the risers 477, 498 and the semi-trailer. The bumper 530is shown in more detail in FIG. 35 and has a substantially rectangularshape. In this example, the bumper 530 may be made to a sufficient sizeand shape to absorb the contact from the semi-trailer. The bumper 530may be made of laminate rubber or molded rubber. In the non-limitingexample shown in FIG. 35 , the bumper comprises two laminate rubberstacks 540 separated by a metal tube 542 therebetween. The bumper 530 isheld together by a bumper bracket 544 on the outside of each stack 540.While one type of bumper is shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 , it is understoodthat any type of bumper may be used, such as, but not limited to, asingle molded rubber bumper.

The bumper 530 has boreholes 546 in the metal tube 542 which allow thebumper to be connected to the risers 477, 498 via mounting plates 532,534, shown in more detail in FIGS. 36 and 37 .

FIG. 36 shows a single mounting plate 532 for risers 477 and 498. Themounting plate 532 has a substantially rectangular upper portion 536with a substantially rectangular lower portion 538. Lower portion 538fits within the step 528 formed between the inside stepped wall 466 andthe outside stepped wall 468. The upper portion 536 traverses the widthof the gap between the risers 477 of the inside stepped wall 466 and therisers 498 of the outside stepped wall 468. The mounting plate 532 hasboreholes 548 that align with boreholes 546 of the rubber bumper 530 toallow for connection by bolts and nuts (not shown). Alternatively, therubber bumper 530 may be connected to the mounting plates 532 byadhesive or any suitable connecting means. The mounting plates 532 maybe welded to the risers 477, 498 such that the upper portions 536traverse the width of the base 264, from the inside stepped wall 266 tothe outside stepped wall 268, thereby connecting the two stepped wallsat each of the risers 477, 498. The portion of the bumper 530 that isattached to the upper portion 536 of the mounting plate 532 comes intocontact with the front of the semi-trailer when the trailer stand 400 ispositioned beneath the semi-trailer. When any of the bumpers 530 weardown due to contact with a semi-trailer, they may be removed from themounting plate 532 and inverted, or they may be replaced.

FIG. 37 shows a single mounting plate 534 for the top risers 522, 524.The mounting plate 534 has a substantially rectangular upper portion 550with a substantially rectangular lower portion 552. Lower portion 552fits within the top step 526 formed between the inside stepped wall 466and the outside stepped wall 468. The upper portion 552 is substantiallytaller than the upper portion 536 of mounting plate 532, and traversesthe width of the gap between the top riser 522 of the inside steppedwall 466 and the top riser 524 of the outside stepped wall 468. Themounting plate 534 has boreholes 554 that align with boreholes 546 ofthe rubber bumper 530 to allow for connection by bolts and nuts (notshown). Alternatively, the rubber bumper 530 may be connected to themounting plates 534 by adhesive or any suitable connecting means. Themounting plates 534 may be welded to the risers 522, 524 such that theupper portions 550 traverse the width of the base 264, from the insidestepped wall 266 to the outside stepped wall 268, thereby connecting thetwo stepped walls at each of the risers 522, 524. For the top risers522, 524, more of the bumper 530 comes into contact with the front ofthe semi-trailer than the bumpers that are attached to the other risers477, 498, since the upper portion 550 of mounting plate 534 is tallerthan that of mounting plate 532. When the bumpers 530 attached tomounting plate 534 wear down due to contact with the trailer, they maybe replaced.

The pair of stepped assemblies 406 creates matched stepped landing areas526, 528 on each side of the stand 400. While FIGS. 24-37 show aparticular shape to the inside stepped wall 466 and outside stepped wall468 to create the stepped landing assemblies 406, it is understood thatany shape of the walls is feasible to create the stepped landing areas526, 528 and to support a trailer in the event of a free-fall or a tip.

The stand 400 of FIGS. 24-37 functions in a similar manner to the stand200 of FIGS. 16-23 when positioned beneath a semi-trailer. The undersideof a semi-trailer may be between 40″ to 50″ off the ground. The heightof the bottom step 528 from the ground is about 36″ to 39″. If thesemi-trailer is higher than 40″ off the ground, then the trailer stand400, is positioned further under the semi-trailer 160, until it reachesthe step 526 with the height that corresponds with the height of thesemi-trailer off the ground, such that the bumpers 530 of each step 526connect with the outer front wall of the semi-trailer. Thisconfiguration means that whichever step 526, 528 is positioned under thesemi-trailer, the “catch-zone” is between about 2″ and 3″.

Step 528 of each stepped assembly 406 is substantially longer than steps526 to accommodate if the trailer stand 400 is positioned on an angle tothe semi-trailer 160. The approximate maximum angle the trailer stand400 could be positioned in relation to the semi-trailer is about 60°. Inthe case of a drop or collapse of the semi-trailer onto the stand 400,one side of the trailer would drop onto the step 528 on one side, and befully supported by the trailer stand 400, while the other side would besupported by the step 528 up to about 2″, which is considered a safedrop.

Even if the stand 400 were positioned incorrectly, such that the frontwall of the trailer did not engage a bumper 530, there would be enoughof a step underneath the trailer, that were it to fall or tip, that stepor the step immediately below that step would catch the trailer, so thatthe maximum the trailer may fall would be 2″ to 6″.

The pair of stepped assemblies 406 are separated to accommodate thekingpin of the semi-trailer as the trailer stand 400 moves further underthe semi-trailer, until it reaches the appropriate step.

The width of trailer stand, in this example, is determined by knowingthe width of standard semi-trailers and forklifts and establishing thehalf-way point of where a forklift would be if it was inside thesemi-trailer. Thus, the width of the trailer stand 400 may reach up tothe half-way point of where a forklift would be if it were against oneside of the inside of the semi-trailer. This way, if the landing gear ofa semi-trailer were to collapse while a forklift were inside, thetrailer stand 400 would be able to support the weight sufficiently asthe semi-trailer comes down. In this manner, the trailer stand 400 wouldprevent the semi-trailer from tipping forward or to one side. However,the trailer stand 400 may be wider or narrower depending on the needs ofthe operators and the dimensions of the semi-trailers. In someembodiments, the trailer stand 400 has a width of about 60″. Because ofthe shape of the trailer stand 400, it is able to support up to about100,000 lb of load.

While the embodiments of FIGS. 16 to 23 show the trailer stand 400 tohave three steps 526 and an elongated bottom step 528, it is understoodthat the trailer stand 400 may have any number of steps of any length orwidth to accommodate a semi-trailer.

In some embodiments, trailer stands 200 and 400 may be manually placedbeneath a semi-trailer. The trailer stands 200 and 400 may also beplaced beneath a trailer using a forklift, yard jockey or by a vehiclevia a trailer hitch.

Unless otherwise explained, all technical terms used herein have thesame meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the artto which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice for testing of the present invention, the typical materials andmethods are described herein. In describing and claiming the presentinvention, the following terminology will be used.

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to belimiting. Patent applications, patents, and publications are citedherein to assist in understanding the aspects described. All suchreferences cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entiretyfor all purposes. To the extent publications and patents or patentapplications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosurecontained in the specification, the specification is intended tosupersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

In understanding the scope of the present application, the articles “a”,“an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or moreof the elements. Additionally, the term “comprising” and itsderivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms thatspecify the presence of the stated features, elements, components,groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of otherunstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps.The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as theterms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives.

It will be understood that any aspects described as “comprising” certaincomponents may also “consist of” or “consist essentially of,” wherein“consisting of” has a closed-ended or restrictive meaning and“consisting essentially of” means including the components specified butexcluding other components except for materials present as impurities,unavoidable materials present as a result of processes used to providethe components, and components added for a purpose other than achievingthe technical effect of the invention.

It will be understood that any component defined herein as beingincluded may be explicitly excluded from the claimed invention by way ofproviso or negative limitation.

In addition, all ranges given herein include the end of the ranges andalso any intermediate range points, whether explicitly stated or not.

Terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” asused herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified termsuch that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms ofdegree should be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% ofthe modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of theword it modifies.

The abbreviation, “e.g.” is derived from the Latin exempli gratia, andis used herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, theabbreviation “e.g.” is synonymous with the term “for example.” The word“or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A trailer stand for a semi-trailer comprising: aleg assembly having a front pair of legs and a back pair of legs, thefront pair of legs connected by a front cross support and the back pairof legs connected by a back cross support; a wheel assembly having awheel assembly frame, the wheel assembly frame having a first end and asecond end, the first end connected to the back pair of legs, the secondend retaining an axle, the axle rotatably retaining at least two wheels;a stepped assembly having a front end, a back end, a top, and a bottom,the front end connected to the front cross support, the back endconnected to the back cross support, the top of the stepped assemblyproviding a plurality of landing areas for an end of the semi-trailer;and a lifting frame having a first end, and a second end, the first endhaving a kingpin receivable by a shunt truck, the second end connectedto the stepped assembly.
 2. The trailer stand of claim 1, wherein eachlanding area has a riser to abut a vertical wall of the trailer.
 3. Thetrailer stand of claim 2, wherein each riser has a bumper to contact thevertical wall of the trailer.
 4. The trailer stand of claim 1, whereinthe lifting frame is pivotable about an axis of rotation on the frontend of the stepped assembly.
 5. The trailer stand of claim 4, whereinthe lifting frame is secured to the stepped assembly at a desired angleto the stepped assembly about the axis of rotation.
 6. The trailer standof claim 1, wherein the underside of the front pair of legs and backpair of legs comprise bumpers that are in contact with a ground surface.7. The trailer stand of claim 1, wherein the front pair of legs and backpair of legs are further connected by a bottom plate.
 8. The trailerstand of claim 7, wherein the underside of the bottom plate is incontact with a ground surface.
 9. The trailer stand of claim 7, whereinthe underside of the bottom plate comprises a bumper that is in contactwith a ground surface.
 10. A trailer stand for a semi-trailer, thetrailer stand comprising: a leg assembly comprising a pair ofsubstantially vertical front legs, a pair of substantially vertical backlegs, a front cross support connected to the top of each front leg and aback cross support connected to the top of each back leg; a pair ofstepped landing assemblies, each stepped landing assembly comprising abase, an inside stepped side wall having a front end, a back end, abottom and a top shaped to have a plurality of treads and risers, anoutside stepped side wall having a front end, a back end, a bottom and atop shaped to have a plurality of treads substantially corresponding inlength to the plurality of treads of the inside stepped side wall and aplurality of risers substantially corresponding in height to theplurality of risers of the inside stepped side wall, wherein the insidestepped side wall and the outside stepped side wall are connected to thesides of the base such that the treads and risers of the inside steppedside wall and the treads and risers of the outside step side wallsubstantially align on each side of the base forming steps, and whereinone end of the base sits atop, and is connected to, the front crosssupport and the other end of the base sits atop, and is connected to,the back cross support, such that the base traverses the gap between thefront pair of legs and the back pair of legs; a lifting frame comprisingat least two arms connected by a top cross support, each arm of thelifting frame connected to one stepped landing assembly of the pair ofstepped landing assemblies; and a wheel assembly comprising a framecomprising at least two arms connected at one end to the back pair oflegs of the leg assembly and connected at the other end to a cross wheelbrace, and an axel supported by the cross wheel brace, each end of theaxel having a wheel.
 11. The trailer stand of claim 10, wherein thelifting frame comprises a kingpin for engaging a shunt truck.
 12. Thetrailer stand of claim 11, wherein the kingpin is held by a kingpinplate connected at one end thereof to the top cross support of thelifting frame.
 13. The trailer stand of claim 12, wherein the liftingframe further comprises a kingpin plate support and the kingpin plate isconnected at the other end thereof to the kingpin plate support.
 14. Thetrailer stand of claim 12, wherein the kingpin plate is attached to thelifting frame such that one end of the kingpin plate protrudes from thetop cross support of the lifting frame.
 15. The trailer stand of claim14, wherein the one end of the kingpin plate that protrudes from the topcross support of the lifting frame is angled upward to aid in engagingthe kingpin with a shunt truck.
 16. The trailer stand of claim 10,wherein each of the treads of the steps are for contacting the undersideof the nose of the trailer.
 17. The trailer stand of claim 10, whereineach of the risers of the steps comprise a bumper for contacting thevertical wall of the trailer.
 18. The trailer stand of claim 10, whereinthe underside of the front legs and back legs comprise bumpers forcoming into contact with a ground surface.
 19. The trailer stand ofclaim 10, wherein one leg of the pair of substantially vertical frontlegs and one leg of the pair of substantially vertical back legs issupported on a bottom plate, such that each leg is normal to the bottomplate.
 20. The trailer stand of claim 19, wherein the underside of thebottom plate comprises a bumper for coming into contact with a groundsurface.